What is a commercial kitchen?
In order to legally make food for sale or resale in the state of Texas, it must be entirely prepared in an approved commercial kitchen facility. It is not legally possible to prepare food for sale out of your home. Any kitchen that is also used as a residence is not in compliance with local codes and may be subject to fines and shut down.
How does Kitchen Incubator work?
We provide two separate kitchens for hourly rent. Each kitchen is fully certified to produce food for sale. When you reserve a kitchen, that kitchen is exclusively yours for the entire reservation time. You pay only for the hours you use, no membership fees or other add-ons.
What do I need to do to start running my business at Kitchen Inc?
We list all of our requirements here. If you think Kitchen Inc might work for you, simply read our Getting Started details and then click on New Client Registration under 'Kitchen Rental' in the above menu.
What if I just want to use the kitchen to cook for my family or private event?
Simply click on "Event Reservations" under 'Kitchen Rental' in the menu above to make your reservation. Nothing else is required. Staff will be on hand to help you at the time of your event. *Payment must be received in full or reservation will automatically cancel.
How much does it cost to use Kitchen Inc?
We have a tiered pricing structure designed to help growing businesses by lowering prices as you reserve more monthly hours. While our pricing may seem complicated, we have designed it to help businesses overcome the hurdle of going from a small, part-time business to a full-time enterprise, while still ensuring that our kitchens are affordable for anyone. Our prices are as low as possible and set to only help cover our expenses. We cannot rent at lower prices or donate use of our kitchens to your organization while continuing to provide this much needed service to entrepreneurs. Thank you for understanding.
I'm not sure how to obtain the required documents. Can Kitchen Inc help?
Sure! Head to our Resources Page for detailed guides that will help you get started. We also offer Business Boot Camps that take new business through all of the licensing and permitting steps. You can register to attend one of our upcoming Boot Camps HERE. We also offer Advisory Services that will take care of obtaining permits and licenses for your business for a minimal fee.
I want my kids to help out. Is there a minimum age for your kitchen?
No children younger than 14 may be in the kitchen at any time. Children are expected to remain with you in your reserved kitchen.
I have all of the required documentation. What are the next steps?
Simply click on New Client Registration under 'Kitchen Rental' in the above menu. Once we have your documents we will contact you to arrange an orientation session. At orientation we will process your deposit, give you access to the Reservation system and assign you your unique building access code. Then you will be able to reserve online as you like and access our facility whenever you need to. It is really that simple!
If my business requires special equipment, can I bring it in and leave it there?
Most likely, yes. We will have to make sure that your equipment meets City code and find the appropriate space for it. Simply e-mail us with the equipment specs and we will let you know how we can accommodate you.
How do I list my business in the Client Pages section of your website?
Simply fill out a New Client Registration and click yes. You can then include a logo, business description and link to your website. If you are in need of a logo or website, see our Advisory Services for how we can help you obtain this essential part of your business.
Can you help me set up my business?
Yes. Kitchen Inc provides a comprehensive suite of Advisory Services for new and existing businesses the encompasses everything from logo design to writing your business plan. Even better, we offer them to our clients in special, fixed price packages tailored to our local market.
How do I know if I need a Manufacturing License?
If you plan to sell to a restaurant, retail store, Farmer's Market or any other resale location, you will likely need one. For more details, read our Getting Started Guide.
How do I make an appointment to tour the facility?
We cannot accommodate individual tours of the facility by guests. People are at work in the kitchens and it is unfair to them to interrupt their work for tours. However, the kitchens are viewable from the café during business hours at cafeluzhouston.com.-p We meet with all newly registered clients to go over the facilities and discuss getting started in detail.
Where do I make a reservation? Can I call?
All reservations are made and paid for online through our Reservation System. We never take reservations over the phone or by e-mail. You will not have access to view this system until we have reviewed and accepted your New Client Registration. Once this is complete, you will be able to make reservations up to 60-days in advance.
Can Kitchen Inc serve as a commissary for my mobile food unit?
We are not equipped to serve as a commissary for mobile units. However, you may use our kitchens to store and prepare food for sale through a mobile unit. For more information, please login to view our Guide to Starting a Mobile Food Business (Food Truck).
How much storage is available?
Plenty! For details, see Shared Areas and our Policy Guidebook for detailed policies regarding storage.
Is Kitchen Incubator a franchise concept or chain?
No! Kitchen Incubator is an original concept, founded and managed by owner, Lucrece Borrego. Our Houston flagship is the first of its kind in the world, but we are open to helping others launch similar concepts in other cities. If you would like to start your own shared kitchen, please visit our Industry Advisory Services Page.
Why is there no phone number provided?
We appreciate your understanding that Kitchen Incubator is managed and run entirely by a single individual, including Cook. Eat. Create., Café Luz and associated businesses. This includes the upkeep of this website, our facilities and all associated materials. Please help us to serve you better by understanding that our phone number is reserved for clients only and by taking the time to understand the materials we have worked hard to create that are available on this website prior to reaching out for questions and tours. If you have sent us an email I promise that I will receive it faster than I would receive a phone call and that I *will* get back to you as soon as it is possible.
